Family, friends and honored guests gathered to honor Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Maranda D. McCorvey during a May 4 retirement ceremony at the St. Martin Community Center in Biloxi, MS.
CSM McCorvey, who served almost 40 years in the Army, was recognized with the following awards: Legion of Merit Award, The Presidential Letter of Appreciation, The Yellow Rose of Texas Certificate, the Governor of Mississippi thank you letter, the Governor of Georgia thank you letter, a Retirement Certificate and Pin; and a U.S. flag.
Present at the ceremony was the officiating officer, Colonel Allison E. Watkins, U.S. Army (Retired). Also present were distinguished guests from Teas, Florida, Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Maryland, Virginia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, Washington, D.C, and the Dominican Republic.
In her speech, CSM McCorvey summed up her thoughts and feelings about her service.
“It was thirty-nine years, 10 months and 10 days ago I walked into an organization ready to face what lied ahead of me. And today I walked out of that organization knowing that, without a doubt, I gave my best years to it and in return, it gave me many opportunities, challenges, and friendships that will remain intact forever. I am permanently grateful for my career. Life could have taken me in many different directions, but it landed me on this path. A path that has not always been smooth or easy. There were many ups and downs, crooked roads, naysayers and much more. However, to the many who guided me, supported me, challenged me, and motivated me on the journey, I sincerely thank you.”
She recognized those who came before her, and how they impacted her life – Command Sergeant Major (Ret) Paula James-Willis, a mentor, who showed her the value of a true leader; Command Sergeant Major Michelle S. Jones, the first and only female to be appointed and serve as the highest-ranking Command Sergeant Major of Army Components; and Diane Williams, the first female Command Sergeant Major of Army Aviation Bridge.
During the ceremony, messages were given to her and to those still serving.
To CSM McCorvey: “Thank you for your tenacity, bravery, paving the way for others and yes, holding a retirement seat for me.”
To those still serving: “What you do matters. Who you are matters. You may not change everyone and everything, but you bring your own special uniqueness to the table and you’re the only one who can do that. Don’t ever let others dictate your outcome because you control your own destiny.”
During her illustrious career, CSM McCorvey accumulated numerous awards: Legion of Merit Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (5th award), Army Commendation Medal (5th award), Army Achievement Medal (4th award), Good Conduct Medal (4th award), Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Armed Forces Medal (“M” device), Silver Hourglass Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (number 5), Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Training Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal (King of Saudi Arabia), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Government of Kuwait), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (2nd award), Humanitarian Service Medal (2nd award), Luxembourg’s International March of Kiekirch Medal, Career Counselor Badge, Norwegian Foot March Badge (18.6 mile), and Driver/Mechanic Badge.
She is also the recipient of the 2008 U.S. Army HQ Command Equal Opportunity Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Award, the 2009 Department of the Army Equal Opportunity Advisor of the Year Award, and the Dr. Merlin G. Pope, Jr. Diversity Award.
Additionally, she is a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and 2015 Nu Zeta Chapter Woman of the Year Award.
While in the military, she obtained several degrees – a Bachelor of Science degree from Upper Iowa University, a Bachelor of Specialized Training, Emergency/Disaster Preparedness & Response Management, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Colorado Technical University.
CSM McCorvey grew up in Pascagoula and graduated from Pascagoula High School (PHS). While there, it was her participation on the NJROTC (National Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) Color Guard Team that would shape her life.
On July 5, 1984, she enlisted in the Army. After eight weeks of boot camp at Fort Jackson, SC, she went to Fort Dix, NJ, for Advanced Individual Training. Then, she attended school for Transportation, Signal, Logistics, and Department of Equal Opportunity Management Institute.
Subsequent assignments found her stationed at Fort Ord, CA, Fort Dix, NJ, Camp Shelby, MS, Manheim, German, Fort Eisenhower, GA (fka Fort Gordon), and Fort Bliss, TX.
She saw action in such operations as Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn.
Life was always busy in the service, but when she had downtime, she spent time traveling, participating in 5-10K runs/walks, reading, and doing motivational speaking.
CSM McCorvey planned on enlisting in the military after high school, so she enrolled in the NJROTC to get some basic experience. But she never thought the military would become her career.
“I went in with the mindset to do one tour and then move on to something else,” CSM McCorvey said.
But that something else turned out to be the military itself, and she realized it was her future, once for which she was appreciative.
“The Army afforded me the opportunity to meet people, travel, and gain valuable experiences and education.”
Throughout the years, her mother, Dorothy Agee, dec., was her mentor and provided her guidance as she succeeded in her career.
“She always encouraged me and was my biggest supporter.”
She occasionally considered retirement, but because she enjoyed her work, she wanted to stay and be a mentor and leader to junior soldiers.
Years ago, when she was stationed with the 177th Armored Brigade Public Affairs Office at Camp Shelby, MS, she returned to her alma mater, PHS, and spoke with the NJROTC squad about the program. She spoke of what she called the “Five Bs” that guided her through life – “Be responsible, Be positive, Be focused, Be committed to change, and Be patient.”
She left the cadets with the following advice – “Success doesn’t happen overnight. You have to believe in yourself. And once you have made the decision to achieve something, you have already made the first step to success.”
And that’s advice that she herself followed throughout her career.
She is indebted to the Army for everything it gave her and wouldn’t trade the experience for anything, and would 100 percent enlist again if given the opportunity.
CSM McCorvey currently resides in Pooler, GA. Her plans after retirement include traveling internationally, volunteering for the USO, mentoring others, and doing motivational speaking.
